I wouldn't prematurely leave on the basis of AI, if it does happen you('re friend) can retrain there and then. Chances are there will be all sorts of jobs still requiring technical knowledge when that time comes, if it comes.

If it's an interest you('re friend) has then why not take a couple evening classes to slowly get the foundational skills & ensure you have enough of savings to make that jump in the future if needed?

Fwiw, I live in the Bay Area and one of the best paid people I know is an electrician - he can pull in $1k a day on some jobs - so the upside is there too.